Royal Caribbean - Radiance of the Seas Alaska Review

Depending on your taste for travel cruising can be one of the best vacation experiences. From the point of check-in to check-out we were catered to like dignitaries. Once on the cruise you want to check every nook and cranny of the ship. But not so fast; first everyone is "all hands on deck" to run through the evacuation drill. It only takes about 20 minutes and is hardly an inconvenience. The ship is teeming with helping hands and has something for every person in the family. Amenities from Ice Skating rinks, shows, shopping to on deck activities around the pool. And the food! Lets just say if you go hungry and any point, at any hour of the day/night, its your own fault. We were never disappointed in food quality or selection. Here again there is something for everyone.

We chose an inside cabin. We are a bit budget conscience and chose to save money by sleeping in the most basic accommodations. You're never in room anyways. But I have to say I've never slept better in my entire life. It was kind of like sleeping in a sealed soup can. If you are claustrophobic, choose an outside cabin. Our room was in the front 1/4 of the ship on deck 8. Don't choose a deck too low or too high. Don't choose a room in the rear or immediate front of the ship. The middle rooms will be more stable and less exposed to rocking. If you're in bad weather (we were not) it doesn't matter where your room is.   

The ports of call vary on every cruise. We preferred warm weather climates where we were able to snorkel, swim with the Sting Rays or walk along 10 miles of the most prestine beach you've ever seen. At least one that's not in a magazine. The excursions were a bit intimidating (and pricey) to choose from but we found the staff to be very helpful in choosing one's that fit us. Also, the staff assured us that we were in good hands once we left the ship. We had no problems. BUT, don't think your ship is going to wait for you if you're late. Be early or find a hotel room. The ship will not wait for you.

 All-in-all we had a fantastic time and Lord willing, we will cruise many times in the future.